Sustainability — Greenhouse Loft

Sustainability is a top priority for us

We Reduce

We encourage caterers to use as much locally sourced food as possible, which minimizes transportation fuel emissions.
We reduce waste by serving items in bulk when possible (ie. condiment dispensers instead of individual sized containers, filtered water cooler stations instead of plastic bottles, etc.)
We use non-plastic, eco-friendly utensils.
We utilize non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
We have water efficient toilets.
Our energy efficient windows help regulate temperatures.
Our high efficiency heating and cooling system reduces energy by 22%.

Catering Guidelines

We Reuse

We have a collection of restored mid-century modern furniture.
Our hardwood floor is made of a reclaimed 120 year old wood.
Our entire building was restored and re-purposed and was once a manufacturing facility.

We Recycle

We use on-site compost and recycling systems (sorted on-site) reducing up to 90% of event-generated waste, which would otherwise be landfilled.

Highlights of our Green Building

Certified Platinum LEED, the highest ranking possible from the U.S. Green Building Council
State-of-the-art indoor air quality sensor and filtration system
Environmentally friendly building materials including low toxin (VOC) paints and stains
8,000 square foot organic sky garden with native prairie plants and trees, watered using a 41,329 gallon on-site rain cistern system
Green escalator (30% less energy than an average escalator)
Co-op vegetable garden on-site
Filled with innovative green companies and individuals, The Green Exchange is America’s largest sustainable business community

Green Exchange History

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Before being transformed into the state-of-the-art LEED Platinum epicenter for green commerce that it is today, 2545 West Diversey was used primarily as a manufacturing site. Originally constructed in 1913, it served as Vassar Swiss Underwear Company’s knitting mill which employed 1,000 workers for nearly 54 years. In 1967 the building was sold to Fredrick Cooper Lamps and became a manufacturing factory for architecturally-inspired ‘elegant lamps’ made from brass, fabric, glass and wood. The lamps are still sold today, but in 2005 after 38 years occupying the building, the Cooper Lamp Factory had to close their doors due to rising labor costs and overseas manufacturing opportunities.

After that, the large vacant building was completely re-developed into what we know it as today: A cutting-edge hotbed for green commerce that gives back to the community and promotes environmental sustainability. Enriched by the building history and tenants who came before us, Greenhouse Loft is humbled to be a part of this incredible building’s community and mission.

Green Wedding Alliance

Greenhouse Loft is proud to be a member of the Green Wedding Alliance, a collection of Chicago vendors who are committed to green business practices and creating low-waste events. To learn more about the Green Wedding Alliance and get tips for planning a sustainable wedding, visit their website.